What goes on plate isn’t always pretty

Author’s forays into factory farms turn into rescue operation

By Ellison Weist

Pamplin Media Group, Mar 11, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (3 Reader comments)

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The author also discusses the use of antibiotics in the beef industry as well as mostly unsuccessful attempts by Farm Sanctuary and like-minded legislators from across the country to get the Department of Agriculture to take a more vigorous stand on testing for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly referred to as mad cow disease.

Eaters urged to start small

Baur’s amazement at how government and agribusiness leaders continue to turn a blind eye to potential disease threats and cruel treatment of animals is infectious.

Even though his tone is more educational than rabid, Baur does manage to slip in jabs at even the gentlest of vegetarians.

In discussing certain practices by the commercial dairy industry he notes, “One of the most common misconceptions I’ve encountered over the years is the notion that if you don’t eat meat, you don’t contribute to the cruel treatment of animals.”

But overall his voice is one of conciliation. By the end of the book he gives, if not a free pass to meat-eaters and cheese-loving vegetarians, at least a chance to do the right thing.

Baur urges readers to avoid “factory-farmed meat, milk and eggs” and, where possible, to visit local farms that sell at neighborhood farmers markets. Or try eating vegan one day a week.

Each chapter in Baur’s book ends with a biography and picture of an animal rescued by Farm Sanctuary. As he wraps up his book, the author encourages readers of all culinary styles to join his “Adopt-a-Farm Animal” program by paying monthly to take care of a rescued critter.

Overall, “Farm Sanctuary” serves as a more than adequate primer to the mistreatment of animals warehoused in factory farms. Baur keeps the consumer guilt trips to a minimum and, in doing so, may win himself some vegan converts along the way.

ellisonweist@portlandtribune.com

Gene Baur

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27

Where: Clinton Street Theater, 2522 S.E. Clinton St., 503-238-8899

Cost: Free

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